Most cases of acute hives in toddlers are nothing more than an allergic reaction of the skin. Medically known as urticaria, in toddlers the condition is not much reason for concern if it goes away within a few hours and is not accompanied by other, more serious complications. As is the case with adults, acute urticaria in toddlers is really a symptom of the toddlers immune system’s reacting to something in the immediate environment or something in the toddler’s body itself.
Causes of Hives in Toddlers Not Always Apparent If the Hives are Acute.
When dealing with urticaria in toddlers, you must differentiate if the outbreak is acute or chronic. Generally speaking, chronic urticaria in toddlers is unusual. If the condition lasts for more than six weeks, or appears more than twice weekly for more than six weeks, the condition could be considered chronic.
The first area of inquiry should be any food or medicine the toddler just ate or ingested. Many parents tend to think that something touching the skin is the cause of hives in toddlers. But this is usually not the case. If a rash appears as a result of contact with something, the toddler is more likely experiencing an allergic reaction and the rash will stay in that area of contact. Acute hives will come and go rapidly.
Pictures of hives in toddlers can be easily found online and can be compared to what your toddler is experiencing. If your toddler is experiencing a rash, the pictures will clearly show the difference. Additionally, rashes will usually respond to topical treatments, whereas hives in toddlers will hardly ever respond favorably to any type of cream or lotion.
How to Treat Hives in Toddlers
One episode of acute hives that comes and goes in a couple hours and doesn’t reoccur generally doesn’t require treatment. It will usually be gone before you can get back from the drugstore. If the hives reappear, you should begin a journal of foods and medicines your child ingests. If a medicine is suspected, your doctor will probably discontinue the medicine. If an over-the counter medicine you are giving on your own is suspected, you should discontinue immediately.
Some foods that commonly cause urticaria in toddlers are nuts, shellfish, dairy, and soy. Your journal should show the culprit of acute hives pretty quickly. If they reappear, the treatment of choice is antihistamines, since hives in toddlers is, after all, caused by the release of histamine. There are many OTC and Rx antihistamines that will provide almost immediate relief. And if they don’t perhaps you are dealing with a chronic case of urticaria or something else completely.
It is only when the hives are accompanied by other more worrisome symptoms that you should seek medical attention without delay. Severe swelling, high temperature, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, or trouble swallowing would all call for medical attention.
Chronic Hives in Toddlers
A final note is that this entire article has been discussing acute urticaria in toddlers. Chronic urticaria in toddlers is another matter entirely and it is important in the chronic cases that the cause be found and adequate treatment started. Living with hives is not pleasant whether you are a child or an adult. There are many traditional and alternative treatments that will effectively treat chronic hives in toddlers. So if the condition goes on for longer than a day, or reappears repeatedly for weeks, please seek medical attention.
